Okay, now I am back on the hunt! A third draft (hopefully the last one) is on the go!
So far as I started going to see Bogarda, I did some comparison of Willow's STR ability based upon the sword he's holding and the level he was on:
LV 2, Long Sword on hand, Battle Sword (we'll just say "skipped") --
7
LV 1, Long Sword skipped, Battle Sword on hand --
20
7 and
20 is a huge difference when anyone talks about Willow's STR ability, so not only that this conserves more frames, but also gives a decent fighting advantage.
Now, there is a cheap-shot part of the game where Willow's STR does not rise greatly as he levels up. In this first WIP of the 3rd draft I present to you guys, Willow's STR was 20 on LV 1 just by holding the Battle Sword. After defeating Bogarda and shooting up to LV 4 with 710 ex, his STR was 23. Why did the game only give Willow 3 STR points just for being promoted 3 levels?! Come on, CRAPCOM! I give you guys credit for making Rockman a true icon for video gaming, however, even Square Enix can make their RPG characters a lot stronger than you guys would with Willow!?!! =/
3rd draft V1 (to Bogarda's defeat)